Inc. NXT Apparel Design, Innovation Graduate Internship

About the Role

This internship sits within the Nike Explore Team (NXT) Apparel Innovation team, working closely with Nike Innovation leaders and apparel designers. The intern receives mentorship from design leaders while building an understanding of Nike's design philosophy, products, and processes. The role is project-based and runs for 10 weeks, with collaboration across multidisciplinary partners including pattern making, materials, apparel development, the apparel lab, field testing, the sample room, merchandising, and manufacturing. The intern helps explore the future of functional, performance-based apparel and how it intersects with sport and modern culture.

Key Responsibilities

• Explore the future of functional, performance-based apparel and its intersection with sport and modern culture
• Use research, hands-on making, and design problem-solving to create original concepts that serve athletes
• Research athlete needs, cultural shifts, emerging technologies, colour, materials, and performance apparel trends
• Build inspiration, concept presentations, mood boards, sketches, and head-to-toe product stories
• Explore silhouette, proportion, fabrication, draping, pattern making, construction, and form through digital and physical making
• Create and communicate concepts using tools such as Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, CLO, Vizcom, Newarc, and/or Gravity Sketch
• Develop physical mockups and prototypes, then respond to feedback from Design and cross-functional partners
• Support prototype reviews and collaborate with product creation partners to improve feasibility, function, and execution
• Present the project and design process to stakeholders at the end of the internship

Required Experience & Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a master's degree in Apparel Design, Fashion Design, Industrial Design, or a related field, with a graduation date between December 2027 and June 2028
• A portfolio that demonstrates apparel design process, creative thinking, and an interest in performance, innovation, or sport
• Experience translating research, consumer insights, or athlete needs into design narratives and product concepts
• Working knowledge of apparel construction, pattern making, draping, fabrication, and physical prototyping
• Experience with one or more design tools such as Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, CLO, Vizcom, Newarc, or Gravity Sketch
• Ability to build clear concept presentations, mood boards, and visual stories
• Strong collaboration and communication skills, with a willingness to ask questions, share ideas, and respond to feedback
• Curiosity for innovation, materials, technology, research, and design problem-solving
• A strong point of view combined with openness to feedback, collaboration, and exploring more than one answer to a design problem
• Comfort working through ambiguity, experimenting with new tools and materials, and sharing work in progress with a multidisciplinary team

Benefits & Perks

• Paid internship
• Relocation assistance

The Application Process

A number of accommodations are offered to complete the interview process, including screen readers, sign language interpreters, an accessible and single location for in-person interviews, closed captioning, and other reasonable modifications as needed.